New Houston Ordinance Bans Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Familial Status, and Marital Status Discrimination in Employment

A new Houston ordinance prohibits private employers from discriminating against employees on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, familial status, and marital status. The Houston Equal Rights Ordinance (“HERO”), which takes effect on June 27, 2014, expands the types of “protected characteristics” beyond those which are covered currently by federal and state anti-discrimination laws.